HIFU

HIFU :

What is HIFU ?

Lipoplasty is the most popular cosmetic surgical procedure performed to remove unwanted fat. However, it is expensive, invasive, and associated with significant downtime, morbidity, and mortality. Various noninvasive body sculpting technologies came into existence such as cryolipolysis, radiofrequency, external low-level laser therapy, injection lipolysis, low-frequency nonthermal ultrasound, and high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU). So high-intensity focused ultrasound also called as HIFU is one of the newest of these noninvasive technologies.

What is done in HIFU?

In HIFU high-energy ultrasonic waves are delivered across the skin at a low intensity and are sharply focused them at the level of the subcutaneous adipose tissue this reduces focal adiposity HIFU is most popularly used for treating a variety of disorders, including shock wave lithotripsy, uterine fibroids, and solid organ tumors. Its use in reducing fat has recently been evaluated.

What is mechanism for its action ?

Reduction in fat / fat ablation is achieved by two mechanisms: Hyperthermia and inertial cavitation. Hyperthermia : HIFU causes molecular vibration of the targeted adipocytes/fat cells this results in rapid heating.The temperature exceeds the upper limit of protein denaturation (60°C–65°C), resulting in coagulative necrosis of adipose tissue. Inertial Cavitation : Also the mechanical ultrasound wave also travels through the adipocytes, creating cycles of increased and reduced pressure, which draw gas out of solution in the form of bubbles. When these bubbles implode, they release energy, causing further mechanical damage to the targeted adipocytes. Dying adipocytes release chemotactic factors that induce a mild inflammatory response, attracting macrophages that phagocytize and clear the extracellular lipids and cellular debris.The ultimate result is reduction of the subcutaneous fat layer without damaging the surrounding tissue.

What is duration of treatment ?When is the result seen ?

Treatments take less than an hour with minimal downtime or adverse effects. Results are noticeable after a single treatment after 12 weeks.

What are limitations of the procedure ?

Although promising, HIFU does not replace the importance of a healthy diet and lifestyle.This procedure may help patients look and feel better. HIFU is a good option for treating “trouble spots” with the added benefit of skin tightening in nonobese patients, but lipoplasty remains the treatment of choice for large volume contouring in obese patients. HIFU is safe with only minimal, transient adverse effects. HIFU is a promising new modality of treatment.